Can I issue a Minor Works Certificate for an EV charger installation?

No. A Minor Works Certificate is only appropriate for minor electrical work that does not include the installation of a new circuit. An EV charger installation involves running a new circuit from the consumer unit (or a new sub-distribution board) to the charge point. This is new circuit work, which requires a full Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). The EIC records the design, construction, and inspection and testing of the new circuit, including cable sizing calculations, protective device selection, earthing arrangements, and test results. Issuing a Minor Works Certificate for an EV charger installation is incorrect and would not satisfy the requirements of BS 7671, Part P, or the competent person scheme. If an assessor or building control inspector identifies that a Minor Works Certificate was issued instead of an EIC, it would need to be corrected.

Do I need to be registered with a competent person scheme to install EV chargers?

EV charger installation is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) because it involves a new circuit in a domestic property. If you are registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA), you can self-certify the work and notify building control through the scheme. If you are not registered with a scheme, you must submit a building notice to your local authority building control department before starting the work, and building control will need to inspect the installation. This adds cost (the building control fee, typically £200 to £400) and time (waiting for inspection). Most professional EV charger installers are scheme-registered. In addition, some charger manufacturers and warranty providers require installation by an installer who holds the relevant qualifications and scheme registration.

What load assessment is required before installing an EV charger?

Before installing an EV charger, you must complete a maximum demand assessment of the existing electrical installation to confirm that the supply can handle the additional load. A typical 7kW single-phase home charger draws approximately 32A — this is a significant additional load on a domestic supply. The assessment involves calculating the existing maximum demand (using the diversity allowances in Appendix A of the IET On-Site Guide — Table A1 for typical current demands and Table A2 for diversity allowances), adding the EV charger load, and confirming the total does not exceed the rated capacity of the incoming supply (typically 60A or 80A for older properties, 100A for newer ones). If the existing supply is insufficient, options include upgrading the supply (applying to the DNO for a larger fuse), installing a load management device that limits the charger output when other loads are high (load curtailment — permitted under BS 7671 Reg 722.311.201), or fitting a smaller charger (e.g., 3.6kW instead of 7kW). The load assessment must be documented and retained as part of the installation records.

What is the IET Code of Practice for EV charging?

The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation is the key technical reference for EV charger installations in the UK. It supplements BS 7671 with specific guidance for EV charging, covering: selection and sizing of cables (including consideration of continuous load at full rated current), protective device selection, earthing arrangements (including PME supply considerations and the need for earth electrodes in certain situations), RCD protection requirements, load management and demand-side response, cable routing and mechanical protection, outdoor installations and IP ratings, and documentation requirements. The Code of Practice is not a regulation — it is a guidance document. However, competent person schemes and building control treat it as the expected standard for EV charger installations. Deviating from its recommendations without good technical justification would be difficult to defend.

Do I need a separate earth electrode for an EV charger?

It depends on the earthing arrangement of the supply. On a PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supply — which is the most common arrangement in the UK (TN-C-S) — the IET Code of Practice recommends additional precautions because of the risk of an open PEN conductor. If the PEN conductor is lost, the metalwork of the EV charger (and the vehicle connected to it) could rise to a dangerous voltage. The Code of Practice recommends one of several mitigation strategies: installing a separate earth electrode and using it as the earth reference for the EV charger circuit; using a charge point with built-in PEN fault detection; or using a Type B or Type EV RCD with additional earth monitoring. The specific approach depends on the charger model, the supply characteristics, and the site conditions. The key point is that you cannot simply connect an EV charger to a PME earth without considering this issue — it must be assessed and documented as part of the installation.

Is the OZEV grant still available?

The OZEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant for homeowners closed to new applicants on 31 March 2022. It was replaced by the EV Chargepoint Grant, which is only available to tenants in rented accommodation (private and social), people living in flats, and landlords providing charging for tenants. The grant provides up to £350 towards the cost of a home charge point, subject to eligibility criteria. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is still available for businesses, providing a grant of up to £350 per socket (maximum 40 sockets) for installing EV charge points at commercial premises. For installations completed under the original EVHS before it closed, the OZEV documentation (grant approval, installation certificate, and compliance documentation) must be retained. If an installation was done under the EVHS and the documentation is missing, this can cause problems if the property is sold or if a dispute arises.

What RCD protection is required for an EV charger?

BS 7671 Regulation 722.531.3 requires that the circuit supplying an EV charging point is protected by an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA. The type of RCD is governed by BS 7671 Reg 570.6.2.2: where a power conversion equipment (PCE) such as an EV charger does not provide at least simple separation between its AC and DC sides, a Type B RCD (to BS EN 62423 or BS EN 60947-2) is required. There are three exceptions: (a) a transformer provides winding separation; (b) equivalent protection by other means; or (c) the charger manufacturer explicitly states in their installation instructions that a Type B RCD is not required — in which case a Type A RCD may be used. GN3 confirms that inverter-type and EV charger equipment that produces DC components in fault currents requires a Type B device because Type AC devices will not operate correctly with DC-containing residual currents. The practical rule: always check the manufacturer's installation manual first — if it states a Type B is not required, a Type A ≥30mA is acceptable and you must retain that manufacturer's statement in the installation records. If no such statement exists, fit a Type B. Document the RCD type selected and the basis for that selection in the EIC.

CERTIFICATE GUIDE

EV Charger Certificate Requirements: What Every Electrician Must Issue

An EV charger installation requires an EIC (not a Minor Works), Part P notification, a documented load assessment, and compliance with the IET Code of Practice. This guide covers every document you need to produce and the common certification mistakes that catch electricians out.

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13 min readUpdated 2026-06-10Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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Key Takeaways

1Every EV charger installation requires an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) — this is a BS 7671 requirement for all new circuits. A Minor Works Certificate is not appropriate because an EV charger is a new circuit from the distribution board.
2The installation must comply with the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, which covers cable sizing, protection, earthing, load management, and documentation.
3EV charger installation is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. If you are not registered with a competent person scheme, you must use building control — adding cost and delay.
4A load assessment (maximum demand calculation) must be completed and documented before installation. This confirms the existing supply can handle the additional load without exceeding the rated capacity.
5The OZEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant closed to new applicants in 2022, but installations completed under the scheme still require the original OZEV documentation to be retained.

01 · Certificate Guide

EV Charger Certification: What You Must Issue

Installing an electric vehicle charger is not just a wiring job — it is a notifiable electrical installation that requires specific documentation to comply with BS 7671, the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, and Part P of the Building Regulations.

Many electricians treat EV charger installations as routine domestic work and issue the wrong certificate or incomplete documentation. This creates problems: for the homeowner (whose installation may not be compliant), for the electrician (whose scheme registration is at risk), and for future electricians (who cannot verify the installation was done correctly).

This guide covers everything you need to issue for an EV charger installation in the UK: the Electrical Installation Certificate, Part P notification, load assessment documentation, IET Code of Practice compliance, and (where applicable) historical OZEV grant documentation.

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02 · Certificate Guide

Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): The Core Document

Every EV charger installation requires a full Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This is not optional and a Minor Works Certificate is not an acceptable alternative.

The reason is straightforward: an EV charger installation involves a new circuit from the distribution board to the charge point. Under BS 7671, all new circuits require an EIC that records the design, construction, and inspection and testing of the installation.

Design section: cable sizing calculations, protective device selection (type and rating), earthing arrangement, and voltage drop calculation.
Construction section: confirmation that the installation was constructed in accordance with the design, correct cable type and routing, proper mechanical protection, and correct terminations.
Inspection and testing section: visual inspection results, continuity of protective conductors (R1+R2), insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance (Zs), prospective fault current (PFC), and RCD operation (trip time at 1x and 5x rated residual current). Measured Zs values must be compared against the maximum permissible values in GN3 Appendix A (Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing) for the relevant protective device — EV charger circuits with long cable runs frequently have Zs values near the limit and must be verified against the tabulated maxima before the EIC is issued.
Schedule of test results: all test values recorded for the new circuit.

The EIC must be signed by the designer, the installer, and the inspector (these can be the same person if they are competent in all three roles). A copy must be given to the person ordering the work.

03 · Certificate Guide

IET Code of Practice Compliance

The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation is the authoritative technical guidance for EV charger installations in the UK. While it is a guidance document rather than a regulation, competent person schemes and building control treat compliance with the Code of Practice as the expected standard.

BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 — Significant Changes to Section 722

BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 introduced significant changes to Section 722 (Electric Vehicle Charging Installations). Key updates include: Reg 722.311.201 — load curtailment (automatic or manual load reduction or disconnection) may now be taken into account when determining maximum demand, enabling dynamic load management to be formally documented in the installation design; updated PME protective measures; and Appendix 6 model certification forms have been amended to include fields for SPDs (surge protective devices) and AFDDs (arc fault detection devices) — Reg 722.826.3.201 requires these to be recorded on the EIC where installed. Installers and certifiers must work to the current edition.

Key areas the Code of Practice covers that go beyond standard BS 7671 requirements:

PME earthing considerations. On a PME (TN-C-S) supply, additional precautions are required to address the risk of a lost PEN conductor. Options include a separate earth electrode, PEN fault detection, or a Type B/Type EV RCD.
Continuous load rating. An EV charger is a continuous load — it draws full rated current for extended periods (hours). Cable sizing must account for this using the 1.0 continuous load factor, not the diversity factors used for intermittent loads.
Load management. Where the existing supply is insufficient for a full-rated charger, dynamic load management (DLM) can be used to reduce the charger output when other loads are high. The DLM system must be documented.
RCD selection. The correct RCD type depends on the charger model and its DC fault characteristics. Type A, Type B, or Type EV may be required.
Outdoor installation requirements. External charge points must have appropriate IP ratings, UV-resistant cables, and mechanical protection.

Document your compliance with the IET Code of Practice on the EIC. Noting "installed in accordance with IET CoP for EV Charging Equipment Installation" demonstrates that you have considered the specific requirements beyond standard BS 7671.

04 · Certificate Guide

Part P Building Regulations: Notification Required

EV charger installation is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations because it involves the installation of a new circuit. This applies to domestic properties in England and Wales.

Competent person scheme registered: if you are registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA, you can self-certify the work. The notification is submitted through your scheme, and building control is notified automatically. The homeowner receives a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
Not registered with a scheme: you must submit a building notice to the local authority before starting the work. Building control will need to inspect the completed installation. This adds cost (typically £200 to £400) and time (waiting for the inspection).

Failure to notify is a criminal offence under the Building Act 1984. If a property is sold and the buyer's solicitor discovers that an EV charger was installed without Part P notification, the seller may need to obtain retrospective approval or provide an indemnity insurance policy. This is an unnecessary complication that proper certification avoids entirely.

05 · Certificate Guide

Load Assessment Documentation

A maximum demand assessment is a critical pre-installation step that must be documented. A 7kW single-phase EV charger draws approximately 32A continuously — on a 60A or 80A supply, this is a significant proportion of the available capacity.

Calculate existing maximum demand — list all existing circuits, apply diversity factors from Appendix A of the IET On-Site Guide (Table A1 for typical current demands, Table A2 for allowances for diversity), and calculate the total diversified maximum demand.
Add the EV charger load — at full rated current, no diversity applied (it is a continuous load at maximum output).
Compare to supply capacity — check the main fuse rating and the supply cable capacity. If the total exceeds the available capacity, you need a supply upgrade, load management, or a smaller charger.
Document the assessment — record the calculation, the conclusion, and any load management measures implemented. Retain this as part of the installation records alongside the EIC.

Elec-Mate includes a maximum demand calculator that automates this calculation and generates documentation you can include with the EIC.

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06 · Certificate Guide

OZEV/EVHS Documentation (Historical)

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) provided grants of up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home charge point. The scheme closed to new homeowner applicants on 31 March 2022 but was replaced by the EV Chargepoint Grant for tenants, flat residents, and landlords.

For installations completed under the original EVHS, the following documentation must be retained:

OZEV grant approval letter — confirming the grant was approved for the specific property and applicant.
Installation certificate (EIC) — the standard Electrical Installation Certificate for the new circuit.
Charger specification — make, model, and serial number of the installed charge point. The charger must have been on the OZEV approved list at the time of installation.
Installer credentials — evidence that the installer was OZEV authorised at the time of installation.

For the current EV Chargepoint Grant (available to tenants, flat residents, and landlords), similar documentation requirements apply. Check the OZEV website for the latest guidance on eligible chargers and approved installers.

07 · Certificate Guide

Domestic vs Commercial: Different Requirements

The certification requirements differ between domestic and commercial EV charger installations:

Domestic

EIC required for the new circuit.
Part P notification required (notifiable work).
Load assessment documented.
IET CoP compliance documented.
Typically single-phase, 7kW (32A) charger.
One or two charge points per property.

Commercial

EIC required for all new circuits.
Part P does not apply (non-domestic). Building control may still be involved for larger installations under Part L or planning conditions.
Load assessment is more complex — may require DNO consultation and supply upgrades.
Three-phase installations are common (22kW or 50kW+ rapid chargers).
Workplace Charging Scheme grant may apply (up to 40 sockets at £350 each).
Multiple charge points with load management systems.

Commercial installations often involve additional considerations: planning permission (particularly for standalone charge points in car parks), civil works (groundwork, ducting), network infrastructure (smart charging, back-office systems), and payment systems. The electrical certification requirements are the same — EIC for each new circuit — but the overall project documentation is more extensive.

08 · Certificate Guide

Common EV Charger Certification Mistakes

These are the most common certification errors that electricians make on EV charger installations. Every one of them can cause problems at a scheme assessment, a building control inspection, or a future property sale.

Issuing a Minor Works Certificate instead of an EIC. An EV charger is a new circuit. New circuits require an EIC. No exceptions.
Not recording the load assessment. The maximum demand calculation must be documented. Without it, there is no evidence that the supply can handle the additional load.
Incorrect RCD type. Using a Type AC or Type A RCD when a Type B or Type EV is required for the specific charger model. Check the manufacturer instructions.
Not addressing PME earthing. Failing to consider and document the PME earthing precautions required by the IET Code of Practice.
Missing Part P notification. Forgetting to submit the Part P notification through the competent person scheme or building control.
Not providing documentation to the customer. The customer must receive a copy of the EIC, the test results, the load assessment, and any relevant manufacturer documentation.

09 · Certificate Guide

Completing EV Charger Certificates with Elec-Mate

Elec-Mate streamlines the EV charger certification process, ensuring you produce complete, compliant documentation for every installation:

EIC with EV-Specific Fields

The Elec-Mate EIC template includes fields for charger make and model, rated output, RCD type, earthing precautions applied, and IET CoP compliance notes. Everything the certificate needs is prompted — nothing is left to memory.

Integrated Load Assessment

Complete the maximum demand calculation within the app. The result is automatically linked to the EIC, creating a complete documentation package.

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Send the completed EIC, test results, and load assessment to the customer as a professional PDF — by email or WhatsApp — before you leave site. The customer has everything they need for Part P compliance and property records.

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Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charger Certification

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EV Charger Certificate Requirements: What Every Electrician Must Issue

Key Takeaways

EV Charger Certification: What You Must Issue

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): The Core Document

IET Code of Practice Compliance

Part P Building Regulations: Notification Required

Load Assessment Documentation

Calculate maximum demand in seconds

Record test results hands-free on site

OZEV/EVHS Documentation (Historical)

Domestic vs Commercial: Different Requirements

Domestic

Commercial

Common EV Charger Certification Mistakes

Completing EV Charger Certificates with Elec-Mate

EIC with EV-Specific Fields

Integrated Load Assessment

Instant Delivery

Complete EV charger certificates on your phone

Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charger Certification

Can I issue a Minor Works Certificate for an EV charger installation?

Do I need to be registered with a competent person scheme to install EV chargers?

What load assessment is required before installing an EV charger?

What is the IET Code of Practice for EV charging?

Do I need a separate earth electrode for an EV charger?

Is the OZEV grant still available?

What RCD protection is required for an EV charger?

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